Homecoming

Truly and verily, if the Lord is for us ,who can be against us?

The Homecoming December 2022 program was and is one powerful and eye opening event that deserves to be highlighted in the history books. A gathering designed to bridge Nantong ICF alumni and current fellowship members for a chance to essentially dive deep into understanding the why, who, what, when and how the fellowship became what it is today. December 16th to 18th 2022, were the dates set for the event to take place. Everyone was accommodated, with those outside Nantong by God’s grace having the online platform available to them, while those in the city were able to meet physically for all the three days. Oh what a time of joy it was! There is always so much beauty in such gatherings. Shared time, food, experiences, embraces make for such good memories to look back to.

All three days were so impactful it would be hard to choose a favourite. Day one was joyous, the start of what was yet to become such a great experience for all. Attendees gathered with so much anticipation, and that made the day a lot more enjoyable. Starting off with a powerful session of prayers, followed by a moment of unwinding in the separate men and ladies talks, the exciting bible and fellowship quiz that formed harmless rivalries and inevitable bonds and of course the introduction to the genesis of the fellowship.

Day two was on an amplified level! This day was mainly for flow talks, with topics ranging from Marriage led by our dear sisters Mrs Ndapewa Eliaser and Mrs Deborah Amatepe, Spirituality by Mr Isaac Boison, Work Experience and Furthering of Studies by Mr Armas Shitifoka and Ms Thabang Diale. Listeners were left with so much insight than they were actually prepared for. To top it all up, we were honoured with the presence of the founder of Nantong ICF, Pastor Joe on this day, as he shed light on the genesis of Nantong ICF. What a humbling moment it was to hear of the obstacles that the alumni had to overcome for us to have a fellowship today and how its foundation was built. From Pastor Joe losing his job and using that as an opportunity to come reside in Nantong to grow the church, the petitioning that had to be done for the fellowship to be accepted by the official church in the city, the risking of lives essentially, just to preach and spread the gospel. Everyone present was left feeling even more deferential to the man of God after he blessed the fellowship with impartation prayers, we all then got to understand that anyone linked to this fellowship will forever have a special inheritance of anointing because of how everything started.

The Sunday Divine Service was arranged for the last day. With the guest preacher from our alumni, Mr Phillipus Ndafediva, who blessed us with an imperative message titled “A long waited master is coming back.” Using the word impactful would sound like an understatement. Not only were we blessed with a wonderful word but our Sister Clemence also honoured us with a spirit filled worship ministration that we wished would never stop.

{ written by Sis. Palesa.}